Exchange Server 2013 Approaches End of Support

Microsoft has recently announced that its Exchange Server 2013 will no longer receive technical support and bug fixes for new issues, starting April 11, 2023. This means that organizations still using Exchange Server 2013 will become vulnerable to security threats as they will no longer receive regular security updates.

Microsoft Exchange Product Marketing Manager, Scott Schnoll, urges businesses to migrate away from Exchange Server 2013 as soon as possible to prevent any risk to their systems. Though Exchange Server 2013 will still run after April 11, it’s best to migrate to a newer version of Exchange or a different email solution, depending on business needs.

Microsoft recommends one of the following alternatives: 

1. Upgrade on-premises Exchange Server 2013 servers to Exchange Server 2019 to receive bug fixes and security updates for new flaws. It is essential to ensure that the network, hardware, software, and clients meet the requirements before deploying new Exchange Server 2019 installations.
2. Another option is to migrate to Microsoft’s hosted Exchange Online email and calendaring client, available as a Microsoft 365 subscription or a stand-alone service. For businesses migrating to Exchange Online, Microsoft provides its FastTrack service, which includes best practices, tools, and resources to make the migration as smooth as possible. This service also provides support engineers that will help organizations walk through the planning and design process of the migration to the last mailbox.

Failure to move away from Exchange Server 2013 could result in unpleasant consequences due to system stability issues and potential security vulnerabilities. Microsoft recommends assessing the current Exchange Server 2013 environment, including hardware, software, and email usage, and determining the best migration option based on business needs. It’s also essential to plan the migration carefully to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition, communicating the migration plan to all stakeholders, including end-users, IT staff, and management.

It’s worth noting that Exchange Server 2013 is not the only product reaching its end-of-support date. Windows 7 and 8.1 have also stopped receiving extended security updates for critical vulnerabilities as of January 10, 2023. In addition, Microsoft reminds Windows admins that the extended support for all editions of Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 would also end on October 10, 2023.